The RN Care Manager is responsible for patient care management and monitoring across the continuum of care. Gathers and maintains information and knowledge used in care management, resource management, performance improvement, and discharge planning processes, including philosophy and principles. Must possess a thorough knowledge of and ability to apply the following essential activities: assessment, planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation for all core components of care coordination including case management concepts, coordination and service delivery, physical and psychological factors, community resources and benefit systems and cost benefit analysis.

Within this scope, the RN Care Managers essential functions will include but are not limited to:
Initiating case finding according to predetermined high risk criteria to identify patients at risk for complications that are appropriate for case management services across the continuum.

Developing and maintaining professional working relationships with physicians, physician’s offices, clinical staff, community resources, third-party payors, employers and other health care providers.

Assessing and developing plans to meet the ongoing individual's broad spectrum of needs through understanding the characteristics of disease, illness, disabling conditions and wellness that directly or indirectly impact the patient's state of physical or mental health and continuing care.

Understanding of and the ability to develop short and long range plans and goals as well as apply problem solving techniques to facilitate the care coordination process.

Collaboration, coordination and consultation with members of the healthcare team and community referral sources, acting as an advocate, to facilitate continuity of care based on the client's individual plan, including establishing client support systems.

Monitoring and evaluating all aspects of services and care (in-hospital, community, and case management services) to facilitate timely, efficient and appropriate care coordination plans and utilization of resources.

Collecting and evaluating benefit systems and cost benefit analysis using case management data to identify alternative care and areas for service improvement.

Understanding the legal and ethical issues pertaining to confidentiality as well as liability issues for care coordination activities.

Attends meetings as required and participates on committees and teams as directed.

The RN Care Manager must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.

This position is located at Swain Community Hospital and affiliated with Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, NC.

QUALIFICATIONS
The following qualifications are the minimum requirements necessary to adequately perform this job. However, any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities would be acceptable, subject to any legal and/or regulatory requirements.

Education/Licensure: Current Registered Nurse licensure in the state of North Carolina.

Experience: Minimal four years clinical experience or two years with BSN, or two years of hospital case management experience preferred.

Certifications: Case Management certification required or obtain within 2 years of employment.(Either through CCMC or ACMA)
Utilization Management Certification is preferred but not required. BLS Certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Eye and hand coordination, manual dexterity for computer and writing skills and visual acuity required. Ability to communicate using written and verbal media. Ability to spend extended periods of time sitting and walking, bending and stooping may be required.